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New England Patriots: Case for Drafting a Running Back

By Talar Kahwajian

Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) injured after a play against the Washington Redskins in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Redskins 27-10. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) injured after a play against the Washington Redskins in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Redskins 27-10. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots
Oct 30, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs running back Kenneth Dixon (28) carries the ball as Rice Owls safety JT Ibe (17) defends at Rice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

2.  Kenneth Dixon-Louisiana Tech

A senior, Dixon set records at Louisiana Tech as early as his freshman year.  Rushing for 1,194 yards with 28 touchdowns and 6.0 yards per carry.

Dixon isn’t explosive like Collins, but he’s smart and patient, a type of player Bill Belichick likes.  He doesn’t rush into a crowd, but rather waits for blocking and picks his spots.

This season Dixon had a total of 1,537 yard and 26 touchdowns using both the run game and peeling out as a receiver.  Dixon also understands situational football, a huge plus because of how well the Patriots are in situational football and how important it is for the team.

Dixon averaged 14 yards per carry as a true freshman with Louisiana Tech, and became the school’s all-time leading rusher with 4,480 yards. His build is resilient enough to take some hard hits while still managing to stay upright and move the chains.

Dixon was a four-year starter and was consistently working hard every season.  He’s not Adrian Peterson but Dixon has the IQ to make the Patriots squad.

Any running back drafted will back-up LaGarette Blount, and allowing Dixon time to grow while Blount carries the ball the majority of the time will allow him to grow into a better football player and be mentally prepared when his opportunity finally opens up.

Next: Multi-talent, Multi-Dimensional Running Back

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